Martha C Vitantonio

After a long, full life, Martha "Marti" C. Rossi Vitantonio, went to eternal rest on Tuesday, April 11.  Marti lived to be 102 years old and often reflected that she had been blessed with many loving family and friends in her life and a variety of wonderful experiences.

She was born on December 15, 1920, the third of 10 children, to Alfonso and Alberina (nee Trivisonno) Frato in Cleveland.  In 1941, she married John A. Rossi, and he preceded her in death in April of 2000 after almost 59 years of marriage.  Marti and John had two children, William Rossi, (who passed on April 11, 2018), and JoAnn Smith, who survives.

In 2004, Marti married Gene Vitantonio, (who passed in December, 2010).  Marti often said that she was fortunate to have loved and married two good men in her life.  She was also glad to have been made welcome by the Vitantonio family.

Marti worked as a secretary for various companies in the Cleveland area for most of her life.  Her last employer was the administration office of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education, from which she retired in 1983.  She and John lived in South Euclid for 35 years and she was a member of the South Euclid Women’s Club and the Maydor Lane Bocce Group.  She attended the former St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church.

Her favorite pastimes after retirement were playing bridge, golfing, reading, doing crossword puzzles and word games, traveling, and baking desserts for her family and friends.  Most of her social life centered on her family and neighbors, celebrating holidays and other happy occasions with her brothers and sisters, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, JoAnn Smith; grandchildren Mark Rossi, Rhonda Semler (Michael), Andrea Rossi, and Michelle Smith; daughter-in-law Beverly Rossi, and several great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by step-sons, Robert Vitantonio (Lenore) and Marc Vitantionio Sr. (Lisa); step-grandchildren Dan Vitantonio, Claudia Leidolf, Marc Vitantonio Jr., and Dan Chan; and several step-great-grandchildren.

Marti was preceded in death by her parents; husbands John & Gene; son William; grandson Douglas Rossi; sisters Evelyn Brucato, Pasqualina “Lonnie” Chalk, Mary Wittine, Violet Hartman; and brothers, Alfonso Frato, Mario Frato, William Frato, Michael Frato and Carmen Frato.

Interment Lake View Cemetery. Mass of Christian Burial 11 am Saturday, April 29th at St. Gregory the Great Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 1545 South Green Road, South Euclid, OH 44121.                                                                                              

FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME, 5236 Mayfield Rd., Lyndhurst (East of Richmond Rd.) SATURDAY, APRIL 29TH FROM 9:30 TO 10:30 am.